The Lower Lake Campground Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area accommodates trail riders exploring the Pennsylvania woodlands. Located in the northern Pocono plateau region, the campground sits at approximately 1,800 feet elevation in a mature hardwood forest. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February, with summer highs typically reaching the mid-80s.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: The region surrounding Promised Land State Park offers equestrians access to several trail systems. Many riders appreciate the trail variety, as one visitor to Ocquittunk notes: "We stayed at site #T007... the site itself is huge and we were able to position our tent facing the lake, it was beautiful!"
Explore adjacent conservation lands: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area connects to multiple protected areas, expanding riding options. At Mohican Outdoor Center, a camper mentioned, "The Group Campsite was really big. It had 5-6 platforms, privys, big fire ring, a grill, a beatbox, a large pavilion w/picnic tables and a real full sized bathroom only 100 yards away."
Winter activities: Unlike many campgrounds that close seasonally, some equestrian facilities remain open year-round. A visitor to Beechwood Area shared: "First trip of the season and we were amazed. Not crowded this time of year, serene, and perfect weather. We collected our own firewood as there is none for sale in the state park."
What campers like
Spacious sites for trailers: Most equestrian camping areas provide extra room for horse trailers and tack. At Stokes State Forest's Lake Ocquittunk, a camper observed that "The bathrooms are clean and nicely placed. The sites had a fire ring with a cooking grate and a picnic table and were well spaced out from other sites."
Clean facilities: Riders appreciate well-maintained bathhouses after a day on the trails. A visitor to Pickerel Point Campground remarked, "The bathrooms were clean with nice hot showers," while another noted the "gorgeous campsites along the water."
Multiple water access points: Several campgrounds feature lakeside sites that allow watering horses without lengthy walks. One camper at Pickerel Point stated, "We had site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper. The trails were beautiful, recommend little falls trail."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak riding seasons. One camper at Mountainview Campground advised, "I reserved two nights, but the first night we were not going to be able to arrive until after 9. After talking to them, they would not allow us to come late, but did refund the first night."
Site selection considerations: Some sites accommodate larger rigs better than others. Choose carefully based on your trailer dimensions. A camper at Stokes State Forest observed, "If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs."
Weather variables: The mountain terrain creates diverse microclimates that can change quickly. A camper at Pickerel Point reported, "I spent the night in the Promised Land State Park at Pickerel Point and it was so pretty and quiet... Mine overlooked the water and had a gorgeous sunset."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly amenities: Some equestrian areas include activities for children who aren't riding. A visitor to Pickerel Point mentioned, "Loved camping on Pickerel Point. Kids had a great time! Bathrooms could be cleaned more often but relatively clean. The museum and crafts were closed due to Covid so that was a bummer but we found other things to do."
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger-led programs about local wildlife and ecology. At Keen Lake Resort, a camper shared, "My boys absolutely love it and always have something to do. They have activity coordinators that make sure there is something to do for all ages every hour of the day!"
Safety considerations: Parents should be aware of potential natural hazards when camping with children in horse country. A visitor to Stokes State Forest cautioned, "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric service varies significantly between equestrian camping areas. A camper at Beechwood Area reported, "I stayed at the Beechwood location at the Promised Land state park and despite the constant rain, it was quiet and peaceful. You could only ever hear the wildlife. The RV pads were spaced put perfectly and we all had our own picnic table and fire pit."
Leveling challenges: Some equestrian sites have uneven terrain that requires preparation. A Beechwood Area visitor noted, "We stayed in lower lake beechwood site 323. Was decent site only downside was fire pit area was very un-level for camping chairs, otherwise it's a nice wooded site with privacy."
Sanitation concerns: Dumping stations may have limited availability during shoulder seasons. At Mountainview Campground, a camper advised, "This is a smallish campground with many seasonal spots and some rental spots. Our spot was #27 and pretty spacious. The showers were free and clean with hot water and decent pressure. The power station was well intact with 15/20, 30, and 50amp."
